Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fined $20K, suspended by WBC

Oct. 5, 2012
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Cesar Chavez Jr., left, lands a punch against Sergio Martinez in the 12th round of their WBC middleweight title boxing match in Las Vegas. A Top Rank Inc. spokesman said on Wednesday that Chavez tested positive for marijuana after his first professional loss last weekend in Las Vegas. / Julie Jacobson, AP

by Bob Velin, USA TODAY Sports

by Bob Velin, USA TODAY Sports

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who tested positive for marijuana after his unanimous decision loss to Sergio Martinez on Sept. 15, has been fined $20,000 and suspended indefinitely by the World Boxing Council this week for his actions.

The WBC, which is led by Jose Sulaiman, who happens to be Chavez's godfather, said Chavez must enter drug rehab and will not lift the suspension until he completes a stay at a rehab center, which the WBC says it wants documented.

Chavez was beaten soundly through most of the first 11 rounds by Martinez three weeks ago, but in an amazing 12th round turnaround, Chavez knocked Martinez down, hurting the lineal middlweight champion, and nearly knocked him out. Martinez survived the final round and took Chavez's WBC middleweight title.

Here is the WBC's statement on Chavez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) and its actions against him:

"Having accepted and expressed regret for what he did, including his hand written apology to fans, Julio Jr shows his positive mentality on this matter, which makes it unnecessary for the WBC to examine the second urine sample. Chavez Jr will have an audience with the WBC, as indicated by our rules, if desired. The WBC fines Chavez Jr $20,000 USD. This sum will be donated to a medical center that cares for children with cancer.

"The WBC has also decided to suspend (Chavez) for an undefined time, so he can enter a rehab center. And we want official confirmation that he's so doing. The WBC will open its doors once again to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, so he can continue his successful career when he feels he can return. The suspension will last as long as the rehab center advises.

"The Nevada Boxing Commission is independent of this matter, due to the fact that it did not have the courtesy to work with the WBC in this fight. The antidoping rules in the WBC try to prevent boxers fighting under the influence of drugs, and that is why sanctions are applied. But ... we also give boxers the chance to continue a career path, after they undergo rehab. Our goal is to help them and not condemn them, as modern society does."

Chavez's apology to his fans:

"Any explanation or justification that I try to give about the recent events will be of no use," he said. "That is why I want to say that I'm totally responsible of my actions, as well as the consequences thereof. I want to apologize to all the people who felt offended by my actions. I made them, and only I should face the consequences.I can say that I will come out of this, and it will help me to become stronger, I will do my very best to change.

"This begins a new stage in my career. I will train towards achieving new targets, one of which is without doubt the rematch with Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez. I want to thank the support given to me by the people who love me, and who look up to me. Thank you for your time."

In a separate matter, Sulaiman, who has been known to be sympathetic towards his godson during the 26-year-old fighter's career, which saw him remain undefeated until his loss to Martinez, also criticized Chavez, according to the website Badlefthook.com, for what he described as a severe gambling problem, adding that Chavez Jr has insulted him at times:

"He makes all of this money and just gives it (right back) to the casinos, and that is truly terrible. He has lost his head. He is no longer the young man that I knew. He's become sour and has a passion to throw his money away and that isn't normal."

Keith Kizer, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, said Friday that a hearing on the complaint regarding Chavez's positive marijuana test will likely be held later this month in Las Vegas.